Science Debate 2008
Science Debate 2008 is an initiative calling for a Presidential Debate on science and technology. Supported by the leading science journalists, including the Editors-in-Chief of Science and Nature, numerous Nobel laureates and other academicians, university presidents, business leaders, and other distinguished stakeholders, Science Debate 2008 is asking for a "debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Medicine and Health, and Science and Technology Policy."

Organizers of the grassroots debate effort recognize that "science and technology lie at the center of a very large number of the policy issues facing our nation and the world..." and believe that these "policy challenges can bring out the best in the entrepreneurial American spirit."

The importance of the proposed debate should not be underestimated. The Nieman Watchdog, established by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, notes that if the debate happens, it "may not just be about climate change and genetic engineering, but about U.S. global economic competitiveness. The Business Roundtable estimated in 2005 that by 2010, some 90 percent of the world's engineers would be living in Asia. The Roundtable is urging government action to restore the nation's competitive edge."

Winston supports and applauds a debate on science issues and their strategic implications. Moreover, the discussion should extend beyond science policy to science quality. Specifically, a crucial topic for discussion is whether science produced and used by the government need adhere to at least minimum quality standards, such as those established by OMBís Data Quality Guidelines, Peer Review Bulletin, and Updated Principles for Risk Analysis. Participants should also be asked about their views on citizens being able to "seek and obtain" correction of data not meeting specified quality standards.